[2][3] The city of Salyan was called "Dalan-Navur" in Mongolian during the Mongol invasion of Azerbaijan.

[6] Salyan was the administrative center of the Javad Uyezd of the Baku Governorate.

Throughout its history, Salyan has suffered from floods because of its proximity to the river and the relatively low elevation of most of the town.

The mayor, presently Sevindik Hatamov, embodies the executive power of the city.

Some of the city's many prestigious residents include: philosopher Ali bey Huseynzade, mathematician Vagif Guliyev, lieutenant general Rail Rzayev, poet Khalil Rza Uluturk and footballer Samadagha Shikhlarov.